CHRIS Eubank Jr and Conor Benn look to end what has become a bitter rivalry, largely inherited from their legendary fathers, when they finally collide this Saturday.
The pair were supposed to lock horns back in 2022 before Benn twice tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance, for which he ultimately received no punishment.
Instead, the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his ban – which was only loosely in place while he fought overseas – to box professionally in the UK.
So now, with their feud having been afforded over two years to simmer, the domestic rivals will get the chance to settle their score at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
Here, Boxing News takes a closer look at how their middleweight bout could unfold.
Chris Eubank Jr – Keys to Victory
Fight week shenanigans
Despite usually playing the pantomime villain, Eubank, 34-3 (25 KOs), has shifted more to the role of a protagonist, depending on one’s viewpoint, while also building excitement around the event.
In many ways, his character arc has made the 35-year-old far more relatable, as with less emphasis placed on arrogance, his human side – clearly battling certain emotions – has been given the opportunity to shine through.
At the same time, though, that same energy he brought to their two press conferences last month must be maintained throughout fight week.
If nothing else, the approach he has adopted throughout their build-up has noticeably angered Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs), perhaps even causing his emotions to run wild.
Cool head
Regardless of what his opponent brings to the table, Eubank has always kept a cool head, often in a hot kitchen, when confronted with a monumental occasion.
Against both Liam Smith – more so in their rematch – and Liam Williams, for instance, he was forced to deal with a hostile environment which, very rarely, is good news for any fighter.
But Eubank proved, more than anything, that the magnitude of each event, and the pressure attached to them, was of very little concern to him.
That mentality, in particular, will be needed to nullify the inevitable intensity that Benn plans to bring come fight night.
Experience
Whether in victory or defeat, Eubank has competed at a far higher level than Benn.
His experience, therefore, should prove invaluable, not only when it comes to sticking his head above deep waters but also the confidence he has earned from knowing what to expect.
In that sense, Eubank must let Benn know early doors that he is in for a night like no other, before picking him apart, round by round, as the fight chugs along.
Conor Benn – Keys to Victory
Effective aggression
Benn, to his credit, possesses a selection of physical advantages over Eubank, despite moving up two divisions from his more natural weight.
His explosiveness, for one, represents a key attribute that almost perfectly sits alongside his aggression, both in and out of the ring.
But instead of being reckless with his tenacity, Benn must find a healthy balance between going balls to the wall and adopting a more pedestrian approach.
Disrupt Eubank’s rhythm
Eubank is a fighter who, while remaining far removed from a fluid technician, likes to maintain a tempo as he brings his feet in and out of range.
Benn, however, will typically fight in bursts – launching himself into range every so often – in order to overwhelm his opponent, not with volume but rather a series of carefully orchestrated attacks.
Against Eubank, the timing of each barrage will be vitally important, more so with a view to disrupt his rhythm and, in turn, find an opening for his shots at close quarters.
Control emotions
The viral clip of Benn getting slapped with an egg has left very little to the imagination.
With genuine rage, and of course plenty of yolk, smeared across his face, the 28-year-old was clearly incensed at the cheek of his rival, more than anything.
Even aside from that, Benn has, unsurprisingly, invested every emotion into this fight, which could, if harnessed correctly, work to his advantage.
Instead of flying out of the traps like a bull in a china shop, though, the Essex man must enter the ring with a more measured approach before, when the opportunity presents itself, unleashing a ferocious onslaught.
Live on DAZN, April 26 Eubank Jr vs. Benn. Over 30 years of rivalry and hatred all comes down to this! A bloodline born to settle the score, hatred in their blood. Eubank Jr vs. Benn, live on DAZN April 26.
Buy the pay-per-view now at https://www.dazn.com/oneonone
